The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Avon, Colorado - Hotel Review

Top Winter Getaway

by Alain Gayot

Outdoor adventures await at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado

Inspired by the architecture of some of the nation's grand lodges and National Parks, The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado sits alone at the foot of Beaver Creek Mountain. This standout resort constructed from a variety of indigenous natural materials is renowned as a top winter vacation getaway.

With its dedicated express chair lift just feet from the resort's mountainside terrace, it's easy to see why this is a premier ski-in, ski-out resort. Situated between Beaver Creek Village and Arrowhead Mountain, there's a plethora of skiing opportunities for all, and best of all ski valets will carry all your equipment from your locker to the chair-lift. You won't have to lift a finger.

Following renovations, the resort reduced the number of its guest rooms from 240 down to 200 to provide larger accommodations. The Residential Suites come complete with fully functional state-of-the-art kitchens with stainless steel appliances. All rooms feature feather beds with duvets, 400-thread count Frette linens and separate shower and marble bathtubs.

If you don't want to ski all the time, there are plenty of other winter sports on offer. There are sleigh rides, snowshoeing, ice climbing, snowmobiling and dog sledding to keep you busy. Speaking of dogs, you can actually take part in the complimentary Loan-a-Lab program with the hotel's own yellow Lab, named Bachelor. Bachelor is available for walks with guests, but he's very popular, so be sure to book well in advance.

There's also plenty of opportunity to relax at the resort's 21,000 square-foot spa with separate men's and women's relaxation lounges, a co-ed grotto with hot tub as well as use of the private sauna, steam rooms and the outdoor heated outdoor swimming pool.

The Ritz-Carlton Suite bathroom, which includes a Jacuzzi bath

A hard day's work and play deserves a hearty meal, and a stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch would not be complete without dining at one of Wolfgang Puck's flagship Spago restaurants. The other on-site restaurant, Buffalo's, presents American cuisine that showcases ingredients found in the Rocky Mountain region.

Don't forget, this resort is prized not only for its great winter sports but for its summer sports, too. With the area's pure mountain air, people flock to this area in the summer for hiking, golfing, nature walks, whitewater rafting, gondola rides and hot air ballooning.

No matter the time of year, The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch is your perfect home away from home, and an opportunity to check out the Residential Suites when taking a trip to the mountains.